Tips for Removing Old Caulk from Your Bathroom

November 17, 2017

If you have old or damaged caulk currently in your bathroom, fall is a great time to get things cleaned up.

If you have old or damaged caulk currently in your bathroom, fall is a great time to get things cleaned up. Removing old caulk from your bathroom is surprisingly easy if you have some time on your hands. Here are some of our best tips!

Soften the Old Caulk

First, add a caulk removal substance to the surface. This should soak in for a few hours. Most products require at least two hours for them to work, but keep in mind that the longer it sits, the better the result you will get. If possible, wait 24 hours before you try to actually remove the caulk.

Remove the Old Caulk

Now that you’ve taken the time to soften the old caulk, grab a utility knife (if you’re a pro) or a sharp caulk removal tool (if you’re anyone) to gently scrape the caulk away. Be careful to not dig in too much and scratch the tile surrounding the tub. If you can’t get big chunks of caulk at a time, don’t worry—you have time to clean up!

Clean Up What’s Left Behind

If you did manage to get old caulk off in big chunks, it should be simple to clean up in a few swipes of a paper towel. If you have many small pieces of caulk, take your time to clean it up. Brush away small bits and use an old toothbrush to get rid of any lingering caulk. Try to do a thorough job cleaning up the debris now before you apply new caulk.

Sterilize the Area

Finally, use alcohol to clean the area that now has no caulk. Let it totally dry and then make a solution of one part bleach and three parts water to wash the area and kill off any lingering mold or mildew. It’s critical to get rid of all old caulk before applying anything new.

All of Your Plumbing Needs from Alpha Plumbing

Alpha Plumbing is a full-service plumbing and contracting company serving the Baltimore and Annapolis metro area with expertise in all aspects of plumbing. We’re family-owned and operated since 1991 from our office in Pasadena. We offer quality plumbing services at reasonable rates in a timely fashion. Our trucks are equipped with GPS systems to ensure we’re prompt and on time. No job is too large or too small! We maintain a fleet of well-stocked trucks and also own and operate our own backhoes for jobs requiring excavation.

For more information and to get a free no-obligation estimate, you can contact us on our website, send us an e-mail, or give us a call at (410) 255-5998.